Sat Sharma Speaks to The News Herald
In a dramatic turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] on Tuesday suspended it’s district president, Showkat Gayoor Andrabi, after serious allegations of extortion surfaced and the J&K Police formally registered a First Information Report [FIR] against the accused.
In a suspension order, the BJP said its disciplinary committee initiated proceedings against the accused and decided to “suspend” Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from “all organisational posts and responsibilities” of the BJP, “including the post of district president, Pulwama, with immediate effect.”
The News Herald spoke to Sat Sharma, BJP’s president for Jammu and Kashmir and Member of the Rajya Sabha, who confirmed the action taken against Showkat Andrabi.
“If he [Showkat Gayoor Andrabi] is found to be involved in any unlawful activity, our party will take disciplinary action against him.”
“The party reiterates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, integrity and morality in public life,” the BJP added in its suspension order.
Allegations Against Gayoor:
Earlier, on 11 August, Pulwama Police booked BJP’s now suspended district president over an alleged extortion demand worth Rs\-500,000.
In the FIR, a copy of which is with The News Herald, the police said that Mohammad Yaseen Ganai, a resident of B K Pora area in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, in a written complaint alleged that Gayoor Andrabi interfered with soil extraction work in Parigam, Pulwama.
According to the details available, Engineer Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi has been allegedly involved in “criminal intimidation” by obstructing legal work of soil at Parigam.
Police immediate swung into action and registered a case based on Mohammad Yaseen’s complaint. The complainant alleged that the accused interfered in legal work and used connections and power to intimidate and extort money.
“Gayoor repeatedly interfered with soil extraction and transportation work being carried out for Gurudwara Parbandhak, Barthana, despite the work being permitted by the competent authorities,” the complainant said.
Police have registered the case Under Sections 126(2), 351(2), 308(2) and 308(3) of the BNS. Accordingly, the investigations have been initiated.
Not only did Gayoor allegedly demand ?500,000, he also reportedly threatened to stop the legally approved work.
Gayoor, as per the complainant, blocked vehicles at the work site by parking his own vehicle to obstruct work.
The complainant further alleged that Gayoor coerced him to pay Rs\-54,000 earlier; Rs\-50,000 on November 21, 2025, and Rs\-4,000 on November 22, 2025.
The copy will be updated as The News Herald hears from the accused.
